Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, or a chemical messenger. It transfers signals between certain cells to affect how your body functions.

They also help block involuntary muscle movements associated with certain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Sometimes, they’re used before surgery to help maintain body functions while a person is treated with anesthesia.

Each of these drugs works to treat specific conditions. Your doctor will choose the best drug for your condition.

DID YOU KNOW? Some anticholinergics are derived from plants of the deadly nightshade family called Solanaceae. Burning the roots, stems, and seeds of these plants releases the anticholinergics. Inhalation of the smoke has been used for hundreds of years to treat obstructive airway disease.

If you think you or someone you know has taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 or through their online tool.

If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Conflicting conditions

Anticholinergics can be used to treat many conditions, but they aren’t for everyone. For example, these drugs aren’t usually prescribed for older people.

Anticholinergics are known to cause confusion, memory loss, and worsening mental function in people who are older than 65 years. In fact, recent studies have linked use of anticholinergics with increased risk of dementia.

Also, people with the following conditions shouldn’t use anticholinergics:

Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions. Also, tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to anticholinergics.

AVOIDING USE IN OLDER ADULTS The strongly recommends avoiding the use of anticholinergic medications in older adults. This is because seniors may be more likely to experience unwanted side effects than younger people.

DEMENTIA WARNINGLong-term use of anticholinergics, as well as use of these drugs in older people, has been linked with an increased risk of dementia. If you’ve been prescribed one of these drugs and have concerns about this risk, be sure to talk to your doctor.